Those of you who know me know that I have wanted to get my color analysis done for YEARS. So when we found out we were relocating to South Korea, I knew this was something I wanted to do early in our adventure.
For a few reasons, actually.
First, because I’ve been dying to do it. Second, because I wanted to use the results to help guide my shopping while we’re here. We’re talking makeup, perfume, clothing, jewelry… basically all my favorite things.
I mean, if I’m going to spend 18 months shopping in South Korea, I’d prefer not to spend that time buying clothes in colors that make me look like I haven’t slept in a week. 😂
I wanted to figure out what actually looks good on me BEFORE I spent the next year and a half convincing myself that every cute outfit I found belonged in my closet.
So when we booked our first trip to Seoul, I knew there was one thing that absolutely HAD to make it onto our itinerary: my color analysis!
And let me tell you, I was ridiculously excited. Forget the tourist attractions. Mama had a color palette to discover.
Booking My Color Analysis at Colorize in Myeongdong
Before our trip, I did some research on color analysis appointments in Seoul and eventually booked a one-on-one session at Colorize in Myeongdong through Klook.
I chose Colorize for a few reasons. It had great reviews, offered private one-on-one appointments, and happened to be conveniently located near our hotel. A win all around!
Plus, Myeongdong is basically a Korean beauty shopping paradise, so getting my colors analyzed and then heading straight to Olive Young seemed like a perfectly reasonable itinerary to me. 😂
I was so excited for my appointment that I actually showed up early. And not just a few minutes early. I arrived 15 minutes before my scheduled time.
Thankfully, they were ready for me, so we got started right away.
The main color analyst spoke Korean, but an interpreter was there to walk me through everything. The entire experience was incredibly smooth, and the language barrier wasn’t an issue at all.
Side note: My interpreter was actually a student at Indiana University! What are the odds that a girl who grew up in Indiana would end up in Seoul, South Korea, getting her colors analyzed with the help of an IU student? Small world!
Step 1: The Questionnaire
We started in a private room, where I completed a questionnaire about my personal style, makeup preferences, and what I hoped to get out of the appointment.
Some of the questions included:
- What are your favorite colors to wear?
- What colors do you avoid?
- What makeup products and shades do you currently use?
- How would you describe your personal style?
- How do you want others to perceive you?
- What is your main goal for the session?
Naturally, I listed maroon and black as my favorite colors.
Because Mississippi State maroon is practically a personality trait at this point. Hail State!
For my least favorite colors, I chose bright orange and red.
They also wanted to understand my makeup routine and what I was hoping to learn. I loved that they took the time to understand my preferences instead of just telling me what colors I should wear.
Step 2: The Color Draping
Once I finished the questionnaire, it was time for the part I had been waiting for!
They placed a white cape over my clothing and covered my hair so that nothing would interfere with how the different colors looked against my skin.
Then the color draping began.
If you’ve never seen a color analysis before, they basically place different colored fabrics underneath your face to see how each shade complements your natural coloring.
The colors were divided into four seasonal color families: Spring, Summer, Autumn, and Winter.
As the stylist worked through each palette, she explained which colors complemented my complexion and which ones weren’t doing me any favors.
It was fascinating to see how much of a difference a simple color could make!
After completing each color family, they took photos so I could compare the results. I really appreciated this because sometimes the differences were subtle, and being able to look at the photos made it easier to understand what they were seeing.
Once we finished all four palettes, they narrowed everything down into three groups:
- My absolute best colors
- Colors that still worked well for me, just not quite as well as my top choices
- My worst colors, otherwise known as the ones I should probably stop buying
They draped each group on me again so I could see the differences side by side.
And let me tell you, some of those colors were definitely more flattering than others.
The Big Reveal: I’m Officially a Summer Mute Cool! 💜
After going through all the different color palettes, it was finally time for the big reveal.
Drumroll, please…
I’m officially a Summer Mute Cool!
And my number one, most flattering color?
Lavender purple! 💜
Which is actually pretty funny because lavender has always been my favorite color. Yet, for some reason, it’s probably one of the colors I wear the least.
Make that make sense.
Apparently, I’ve spent years loving a color that looks amazing on me while simultaneously filling my closet with everything BUT that color.
Although, maybe deep down I knew something, because I actually chose a lavender bridesmaid dress for my sister’s wedding this summer.
So perhaps I’ve had a little color analyst hiding inside me all along.
My next two best colors were dusty blue and pearl, which I absolutely love. The analyst explained that my Summer Mute Cool palette is made up of softer, cooler, more muted shades.
Think lavender, dusty blue, pearl, mauve, and other soft, cool-toned colors.
And now I have an actual excuse to buy more lavender clothing.
Not that I’ve ever needed much convincing to go shopping.
Of course, there is still one very important question.
What am I supposed to do about all my Mississippi State maroon?!
Because I can promise you, that isn’t going anywhere.
Some loyalties run deeper than a seasonal color palette.
Hail State! 🐾
Step 3: My Personal Color Guide
After the draping, we went through a personalized folder that I got to take home.
This might have been one of my favorite parts of the entire experience because it made everything practical.
The folder included samples of my recommended colors, complete with specific color names. Instead of walking into a store trying to remember which shade of purple or blue looks best on me, I now have an actual reference guide.
They also explained how to combine my best colors with complementary shades from my second-best palette.
One of their specific outfit recommendations was to invest in a charcoal gray blazer or sweater that I could pair with a lavender or dusty blue blouse.
Such a simple combination, but one I probably wouldn’t have thought to put together on my own!
And I loved that they weren’t suggesting I replace my entire wardrobe. They were showing me how to make smarter purchases and create outfits using colors that complement each other.
Considering how much I love shopping, this information was probably long overdue.
Step 4: Makeup Recommendations
Next up was makeup, which was another big reason I wanted to do this appointment.
We started by discussing foundation shades and what would work best with my skin tone.
They also went through the makeup products I currently use and talked about whether the shades were a good match for my coloring.
I especially loved that they asked about products I already owned rather than automatically recommending an entirely new makeup bag.
For example, I shared a Maybelline lip product that I absolutely love, and they used that as a starting point for recommending other flattering lip shades.
They helped me identify lip colors for three different occasions:
- Everyday wear
- Work or professional settings
- A night out
I loved this because my everyday makeup and my going-out makeup are definitely not the same.
Their recommendations included mauve, rosy, and soft pink tones, along with berry shades for more formal occasions.
And since I love a good lipstick, I was paying very close attention.
Step 5: Hair, Jewelry, Perfume, and Patterns
One thing I didn’t realize before booking was just how much information they would cover beyond clothing and makeup.
We also discussed hair colors, jewelry, perfume, and clothing patterns.
Hair Color
They also explained which hair shades would best complement my natural coloring.
For me, they recommended ash tones or lighter hair colors and specifically mentioned that red hair would NOT be flattering on me.
Which is interesting.
Because I may or may not have spent YEARS dyeing my hair red.
Did I share that little detail with them?
Absolutely not. 😂
We’re just going to pretend those years never happened and move right along.
Apparently, my hair and I have been making questionable color decisions for quite some time.
But hey, that’s why I got the analysis done in the first place, right?
Jewelry
For jewelry, they recommended:
- Platinum
- Silver
- Champagne tones
- Pearls
- Rose gold as a secondary option
I loved getting this guidance because now I can think about how jewelry complements my overall look instead of simply choosing whatever catches my eye.
Although let’s be clear, if a purse or piece of jewelry is cute enough, I reserve the right to ignore my color analysis. 😂
Perfume
We even discussed perfume scents that would complement my overall style and color profile.
I honestly had no idea perfume would be part of the conversation, but I thought it was such an interesting addition!
Clothing Patterns
Another thing we discussed was patterns.
Apparently, even the patterns you wear can complement your overall coloring and style.
For me, they specifically recommended plain stripes and floral patterns.
I loved having this information because now, instead of just looking at the color of a blouse or dress, I can also think about the pattern.
Not that this means I’m going to stop buying something just because it doesn’t fit my recommendations.
I’m almost 40. I still reserve the right to wear whatever I want.
Step 6: The Makeup Room (AKA My Favorite Kind of Homework)
Our final stop was the makeup room, where they showed me specific products and shades based on everything we had discussed.
And this is where things got dangerous for my wallet.
They didn’t just give me a few general suggestions. They actually recommended 21 specific makeup and perfume products based on my color analysis!
TWENTY-ONE.
Apparently, my Summer Mute Cool transformation comes with a shopping list.
They walked me through the products and allowed me to take photos of their recommendations so I could reference everything later.
And where did I take that list?
Olive Young, of course.
Because when a professional gives you a personalized list of Korean beauty products, who am I to argue?
It was so nice to walk into Olive Young with an actual plan instead of standing in front of approximately 4,000 lip products wondering which shade I needed.
Did I still get distracted by other products? Obviously.
But at least now I had some professional guidance.
Was Getting My Color Analysis in Seoul Worth It?
For me, absolutely!
This was something I had wanted to do for years, and I’m so glad I finally made it happen during our first trip to Seoul.
What I loved most was that the experience went far beyond someone telling me I looked good in pink.
I left with a much better understanding of how colors work with my complexion, how to combine different shades, what makeup to look for, which jewelry tones complement me, and even what hair colors and perfume scents to consider.
I also loved that the appointment was personalized to my preferences and that I received a physical guide to take home.
For anyone considering getting a color analysis in Seoul (or anywhere), I would definitely recommend looking for a studio that offers one-on-one appointments, English interpretation if needed, and a detailed take-home guide.
And don’t be afraid to bring information about the makeup products you already love. It made the recommendations feel so much more personal.
My Biggest Takeaway
I didn’t get my color analysis done because I think everyone needs to follow a strict set of rules about what they can and cannot wear.
I did it because I wanted to learn something new, have a fun experience, and make more intentional shopping decisions during our time in Korea.
We have this incredible opportunity to live on the other side of the world for 18 months, and I want to take advantage of experiences like this while we’re here.
Plus, if it saves me from buying a closet full of clothes in the wrong colors, I’d say that’s money well spent.
Now, does this mean I’m going to stop wearing maroon if it isn’t one of my best colors?
Absolutely not.
Some things are bigger than color analysis.
Hail State again! 🐾🍷
New country. Same chaos. And now, hopefully, a much better color palette.
Cummings & Goings 🇰🇷
Leave a Reply